The striking colours of the setting sun reflecting on the waters is how Crimson Lake received its name. Crimson Lake Provincial Park is a meeting place of foothills forests in the west, bog and muskeg in the north and aspen parkland in the east.visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences, abundant wildlife such as moose and deer, and the solitude of dense evergreen forests. Just over two hours southwest of Edmonton, the park is home to an array of vegetation, flora and flauna. Crimson Lake s recreational activities include: boating, water skiing, windsurfing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Five prehistoric sites have been identified within the park, featuring flakes, firecracked rock, and raised dunes.
Summer Activites Camping The park s 169-unit campground on Crimson Lake is equipped with showers, washrooms, firewood, a playground, boat launch and sewage disposal. Sixtytwo of the park s campsites have power hook-ups and there are two wheelchair-accessible sites (paved and adjacent to the shower building). There s laundry service at the wash house in Loop A. There are private group use areas at both Crimson Lake and Twin Lakes that are ideal for school groups, family gatherings and other special events. Available by reservation only (403-845-2330). Trails The park s unique habitat makes it an ideal location for day hiking. Amerada Trail encirlces the entire lake. For the more adventuresome, try the trail that goes from Crimson Lake through to Twin Lakes and on into the town of Rocky Mountain House. All hiking trails are gravel surface. Wildlife Viewing Wildlife species in the Crimson Lake area include: beaver, moose, red squirrel, shrew, mule deer, whitetailed deer, black bear and cougar. Birding The park supports populations of sandhill cranes, boreal owls, northern pygmy-owls, greater yellowlegs, western tanagers and solitary sandpipers. Be Bear Aware! Black bears frequent the park during summer months so visitors are advised to take necessary precautions such as securing food and properly disposing of garbage. For information about bear safety consult a park conservation officer, or pick up a copy of our bear safety brochure Bear in Mind. Winter Activities Cross-country skiing - Crimson Lake s trail system is used year round. In the winter, trails are groomed for cross-country skiing; 10 km groomed; 10 km ungroomed. Ice fishing - ice fishing at Twin Lakes for rainbow trout.
Things to Know Deposit bottles, cans and juice boxes at the recycle bins located at garbage stations. Do not leave garbage and food items in your firepit. Pick up that extra piece of litter or two. Secure your belongings at your campsite. If you decide to extend your stay (in a non-reservation site), please renew your permit by noon of the original departure date. All pets must be kept on a leash; pets are not permitted on the beach, nor are they allowed in the designated swimming area. If you have visitors to your campsite, they must leave the campground by 11:00 p.m. Quiet time is 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. If you have a noise complaint, contact the campground host or park staff at 845-8585 or call the RCMP at 911. Firewood sales are daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (delivery available; please inquire at registration office). Cutting weiner sticks from, and placing axes in, live trees can kill a tree and may result in a fine.
Twin Lakes At Twin Lakes Campground (located approximately 6 km south of Crimson Lake campground): you ll have a more rustic camping experience (25 treed campsites and 14 overflow sites, as well as a small day use area). a boardwalk trail along the lakeshore makes for a pleasant walk. the lake contains rainbow trout, so it s just the ticket for a quiet fishing trip. NOTE: no campsite reservation service at Twin Lakes campground
Crimson Lake - Winter Trails
Crimson Lake - Summer Trails
Crimson Lake Campground Power Sites Loop B - all sites Loop E - sites 1-16 Loop G - all sites Designated Double Sites A12 C8 D2 F5 F6 F19 F22 Wheelchairaccessiable Sites C11 power C12 power
For More Information For campsite or group camping reservations: phone 403-845-2330. Where Are We? For information about other provincial parks and protected areas, call 780-427-3582 (toll-free 1-866-427-3582), or visit our website at www.albertaparks.ca Enjoy Your Stay at Crimson Lake Provincial Park! ISBN: 978-0-7785-7412-5 Reprinted May 2008